The Maldives has introduced legislation that would permanently prohibit holders of Israeli passports from entering the country and is also preparing new restrictions preventing Israeli citizens and companies from investing in real estate projects.

According to the Maldivian Presidency, President Mohamed Muizzu announced that a government bill submitted to parliament would remove the current conditions attached to the entry ban and make the restriction unconditional.

Muizzu said the existing regulation links the entry ban to the end of Israel's attacks in Gaza, while the new legislation would ensure that holders of Israeli passports would not be allowed to enter the Maldives under any circumstances.

Government seeks permanent entry restriction

Muizzu described Israel's actions against the Palestinian people as genocide and said allowing holders of Israeli passports to enter the Maldives was unacceptable.

He said the Maldives would continue supporting the Palestinian cause in international platforms and that the country's position on Palestine had not changed.

The proposed amendment to the immigration law still requires approval from parliament before coming into force.

New restrictions on property investments

Alongside the immigration bill, the Maldivian government has also submitted a separate proposal aimed at preventing Israeli individuals and companies from purchasing property or investing in real estate developments in the country.

Muizzu said the measure would also address possible attempts to bypass restrictions through dual nationality or the use of other passports, with property buyers subject to additional checks.

Existing ban introduced in 2025

The Maldives introduced a ban on Israeli passport holders entering the country in April 2025 amid the ongoing war in Gaza.

Under the current system, the restriction was linked to developments in Gaza. The new proposal seeks to remove that condition and transform the measure into a permanent legal provision.

The government has said the new measures are part of its continued support for the Palestinian cause and its opposition to Israel's actions in Gaza.(ILKHA)